Learning from the world. Inspiring change in the UK.
We are the Churchill Fellowship: a UK charity which supports individual UK citizens to follow their passion for change, through learning from the world and bringing that knowledge back to the UK. Together our community of Churchill Fellows use their international learning to lead the change they wish to see across every area of UK life. We were founded by public donation in 1965 as the living legacy of Sir Winston Churchill for the nation.
We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of three Churchill Fellows who have been recognised in the 2025 New Year Honours List for their outstanding contributions to their fields and communities: Susan Waterson OBE, Peter Clegg OBE, and David Martin MBE.
We’re seeking a Chair of Trustees to succeed Jeremy Soames, who will be stepping down at the end of 2025 as planned. We’re looking for an exceptional leader committed to advancing the inspiring work of our extraordinary Fellowship community. If you or someone in your network would be a great fit, we warmly encourage you to apply. Applications close at midnight on 20 January, 2025.
Our Changemaker Stories series highlights the inspiring journeys of Churchill Fellows tackling some of today’s most pressing challenges – from connecting refugees with their neighbours to transforming emergency services for Deaf people, these remarkable Fellows are creating real impact. Watch the series now and be inspired to join our community of changemakers.
At our most recent Award Ceremony, held at the Methodist Central Hall in London in September, we congratulated 122 Fellows as they were presented with their Churchill Medallions.
Churchill Fellows are a unique source of ideas from around the world for a range of issues across all areas of UK society. Read some of their latest below or head to our News and Views section to find out more.
We spoke with Churchill Fellow Lucy Vincent, founder of the charity Food Behind Bars, about her journey from journalist to campaigner and her vision for improving food quality and culture in UK prisons. Lucy shares insights from her Churchill Fellowship research in Scandinavia, the challenges facing UK prison catering, and her plans to support prison catering teams through training and a new podcast.
By Lucy Vincent, 9 January 2025
Our Chairman, Jeremy Soames, reflects on a year of growth and achievement for The Churchill Fellowship, including concluding our work on Migration, launching new programmes in Education and Health, and welcoming 134 new Fellows. Looking ahead, Jeremy shares exciting plans for our 60th anniversary in 2025.
At One Small Thing, I work to explore solutions to reduce the number of women entering prison by promoting community-based approaches. My Churchill Fellowship next year will take me to Canada, Germany, and Finland to learn how others are addressing similar challenges and inspiring policymakers to reimagine justice for women. I’m eager to connect with changemakers globally and share insights on creating a system that prioritises community over custody.
By Sarah Smith, 12 December 2024
Through my Churchill Fellowship, I explored how Black girls are adultified in state care – from their relationships with parents to social work practices and transitions to independent living. Travelling to the USA and Canada, I engaged with researchers and practitioners, uncovering how adultification affects Black girls and identifying potential solutions. My findings highlight the need to move beyond tick-box approaches in social work and recognise the strengths Black girls develop despite these challenges. I’m now sharing these insights through CPD sessions, campaigns, and my ongoing PhD, with the hope of driving meaningful change for children affected.
By Sylvia Ikomi, 5 December 2024
Empowering boys to understand, express and regulate their emotions.
2024
Supporting disabled people to take up high-level positions in organisations through leadership programmes
2016
Improving dementia care through new teaching models for nurses
2019
Engaging young people in politics through innovative social action campaigns
2016
Engaging deprived urban communities in handball sports
2020
The Fellowship inspires change at many different levels. Fellows combine their personal vision and experience with their global learning to strengthen UK communities and sectors and influence services and policies locally and nationally. Many also tell us about the transformational impact of the Fellowship on their own lives.
Learn moreWe welcome support for our unique programme of Fellowships, which transform lives, communities and professions across the UK. You can help our work through donations, partnerships and legacies, which are vital for growing the impact and the opportunity we offer. We are always pleased to discuss ways to get involved.
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